Emily Allen's Blog

Below is a very good statement from Lynnelle Williams regarding
Willbridge's proposed use of the property under their permanent
supportive housing program.

Dear Peabody School
Officials, Parents, San Roque Neighborhood, and Community at large,

I would like to
provide some clarification about what Willbridge does and what we intend
to do at 2904 State Street.

Willbridge operates
two types of housing: Transitional Housing and Permanent Supportive
Housing. Our Transitional Housing provides shelter and case management
and other support services for chronic homeless mentally ill individuals
and is the first step in their coming from the streets to greater
independent living. This is NOT what 2904 State Street will be used
for.

The second type of
housing we offer is Permanent Supportive Housing, which IS the intended
use of 2904 State Street. Permanent Supportive Housing is low income
housing for individuals who are currently housed and are now ready to
live in a more independent setting and who require minimal supervision
but continue to receive case management and other supportive services.

Permanent Supportive
Housing residents are often employed, enrolled in school, or in other
vocational training programs. They pay 30% of their income in rent,
make their own meals, clean their own rooms, care for the common areas
of the housing, and are building the skills necessary to prepare them
for completely independent living.

They
must have demonstrated an interest and ability to live independently
and want to move to greater independent living.

To be considered, they must either be employed or a
student in a technical or similar program.

They
must be fully able to live independently, and are medication compliant.

They must have three recommendations, including one
from their doctor.

They must have proof of income

They must not use illegal drugs or drink on the
premises and they must agree to random drug testing including
breathalizing tests: violation is cause for removal from the housing
program

They must help foster a
positive environment for themselves and other residents of the
facility. Non compliant individuals will be removed from the
residential program.

Willbridge actively
manages its facilities to assure that clients comply with all house
rules. To assure a positive environment for residents, residents must
live within house rules or they are asked to leave and referred to
another program.

At Willbridge, ALL
premises are illegal drug and alcohol free. Residents who don’t comply
are asked to leave and referred to another program.

As a result of this
active management process, Willbridge has successfully operated all its
facilities without significant complaints from its neighbors.

Willbridge has
operated a Permanent Supportive Housing facility for 6 residents at 18 E
Sola Street for the past two years without complaint or unfavorable
incident with neighbors.

Willbridge Permanent
Supportive housing clients do not panhandle, do not loiter on the
streets, are not aggressive with the individuals they come in contact
with, are respectful of the rights of others and want to live in their
housing that Willbridge provides and for which they pay rent.

In addition,
Willbridge has operated two Transitional Housing facilities in the 1200
block East Montecito Street for 6 years; these buildings can accommodate
14 individuals in two buildings. These clients have not had any
unfavorable incidents with their neighbors.

Willbridge has
received a $123,000 two year renewable grant from HUD for the operation
of a Permanent Supportive Housing facility to house 8 individuals.
Willbridge intends to operate 2904 State Street under this HUD grant
funding, which is restricted for use only for Permanent Supportive
Housing, and has specific requirements for its operation and the clients
it serves. We have until July, 2011 to put a facility into operation
to qualify for this Grant. If the acquisition of State Street is
denied, it may not be possible for us to put another facility into
operation in time, and Willbridge and the community would lose the use
of these Federal funds.

There has been much
concern recently raised about programs for the homeless in Santa
Barbara. The 2904 State Street is an affordable permanent supportive
housing project and not a revolving door shelter. Its resident will have
demonstrated stability in transitional housing & are interested in
moving forward with their life as contributing members of the community.

Our goal is to
empower individuals, assist them is reintegrating back into community
living and support their efforts in rebuilding their lives.